Think you may have acne? Symptoms and treatments you need to know.

Acne

Acne is a very common skin condition that affects people of all ages, not just teenagers. So what causes acne? Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and breakouts. As a pharmacist, I regularly speak with patients who are struggling with acne and can provide guidance on prevention, over-the-counter options, and prescription treatments.

Symptoms of Acne

The most common symptoms of acne include:

• Whiteheads and blackheads

• Red or inflamed pimples

• Pus-filled lesions (pustules)

• Painful nodules or cysts (in more severe cases)

• Scarring or dark spots after breakouts heal

Preventing Acne

There are several steps you can take to help reduce acne breakouts:

• Cleanse gently: Wash your face once or twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt without irritating the skin.

• Avoid touching your face: Touching or picking at acne can spread bacteria and increase inflammation and scarring.

• Use non-comedogenic products: Choose skincare and makeup products labeled “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogging pores.

• Manage oil and sweat: Shower after sweating and avoid leaving oily products on the skin for long periods.

• Maintain healthy habits: A balanced diet, stress management, and adequate sleep can all help support healthy skin.

Treatment of Acne

If you develop acne that does not improve with basic skincare, it’s important to seek treatment early to prevent worsening breakouts and scarring. If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments without success or your acne is persistent or painful, contact a pharmacist through RxToday.ca to speak with a pharmacist for a virtual assessment and prescription.

A pharmacist may recommend or prescribe acne treatments you can use at home, such as topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, or other prescription therapies depending on the severity of your acne.

Always remember: Acne treatments take time to work. It’s important to use medications exactly as prescribed and continue treatment even if you don’t see immediate results. Stopping treatment too early can lead to flare-ups and reduced effectiveness of future therapies.